Commentary on "The Fruit of the Spirit: The Essence of Christian Character"

RICHARD PEIFER

 

Day 4: Tuesday, March 23, 2010

 

Overview

“Here, though, is where we need to understand fully what salvation by faith is about. Here is where we need to understand where our salvation lies, and here is where we need to understand what Jesus accomplished for us on the cross.” (Adult Teachers Sabbath School Bible Study Guide, Page 154)

 

Observations

As is true with so many denominations, Adventists equate salvation with the crucifixion. This is not the case. The cross was only one-half of the salvation equation. To be certain, it was an incredibly important part of the equation, but it is not in and of itself the source of our salvation.

Jesus provided reconciliation at the cross. He died the death we deserved. Death cannot provide life, and reconciliation is not salvation.

What is missing is the resurrection. If Jesus wasn’t raised from the dead, then our faith is futile and we are still in our sins (see 1 Corinthians 15). Jesus’ resurrection is the second half of the salvation equation.

There can be no perseverance of faith if all we do is stare at the cross. With the cross alone we are left with only one conclusion – I killed Jesus.

However, when we go past the cross to the empty tomb, then we begin to appreciate the magnitude of Jesus’ victory. Salvation is far more than forgiveness. It is nothing less than life itself, Jesus’ life given to each believer, with the indwelling Holy Spirit being the seal and deposit guaranteeing it.

This is what makes perseverance possible. Jesus died the death I deserve, but He did more than that. He also gave me His very life so that I can participate in His divine nature. Only with this complete assurance is the child of God able to persevere through life’s trials and tribulations.

To be clear, Romans 1-4 are about the sin problem and Jesus’ provision for it – forgiveness/reconciliation – the first half of salvation. Romans 5-8 are about life in the Spirit, the second half of salvation.

 

Summary

1. No one is saved by the cross, by Jesus’ death.
2. We are saved by Jesus’ life, as a result of the resurrection (see Romans 5:10).
3. Perseverance is possible only if we have received both parts of the equation.

 

GO TO DAY 5

 

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The Sabbath School Bible Study Guide and the corresponding E.G. White Notes are published by Pacific Press Publishing Association, which is owned and operated by the Seventh-day Adventist church. The current quarter's editions are pictured above.

 

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